Lac de Petit Saut is a vast reservoir covering approximately 365 square kilometres of flooded rainforest near the town of Sinnamary, 90 kilometres west of Cayenne along the N1 coastal highway. The lake was formed in 1994 when the Petit Saut hydroelectric dam was constructed on the Sinnamary River, flooding a large tract of lowland forest that now provides extraordinary wildlife habitat. The submerged canopy of ghost trees — skeletal trunks rising from still dark water — creates an otherworldly landscape unique in the Guiana Shield, and the nutrient-rich environment supports remarkable concentrations of caimans, monkeys, tropical birds, and reptiles. The dam supplies approximately 60 percent of French Guiana's electricity. From Cayenne, the drive west along the N1 takes approximately 90 minutes by car; Kourou makes a natural midway stop for fuel and provisions. No direct public transport serves Petit Saut, making car rental the standard approach. The centrepiece of any visit is a guided boat tour on the reservoir, departing from the embarkation point near the dam infrastructure. Dawn tours, typically departing around 06:00 to 07:00, produce the highest wildlife activity: black caimans and spectacled caimans bask along the water's edge in the early morning, howler monkeys call from the ghost-tree canopy, and kingfishers, herons, and occasionally giant river otters are visible in the sheltered channels. Tours navigate through narrow waterways between the drowned forest and last approximately two to three hours. Boat tours should be arranged in advance through Sinnamary-based operators; shared guided tours typically cost 40 to 70 euros per person. Binoculars significantly improve the experience, as many sightings occur at distance. After the morning tour, Sinnamary town has small Creole restaurants serving fresh fish from the reservoir at reasonable prices, making it the natural lunch stop before the return to Cayenne. Those with energy for additional stops can visit the Kourou Space Centre visitor exhibition or the Port de Kourou in time for the Salvation Islands ferry, both approximately 30 kilometres east on the N1.
How to get there
- Car rental from Cayenne (~€30/day); combine with Kourou stop
Location
Petit Saut, 97315 Sinnamary, French Guiana
5.0665, -53.0521 View on map
Highlights
- Dawn boat tour through the ghost-forest of drowned trees — a landscape unique in the Guiana Shield
- Black caiman and spectacled caiman sightings in the reservoir's sheltered channels at first light
- Howler monkeys, capybaras, and diverse tropical bird species observed from the water
- The Petit Saut dam: one of French Guiana's most significant engineering projects, supplying around 60 percent of the territory's electricity
- Sinnamary town for fresh Creole fish lunch after the morning wildlife tour
Tips for visiting
- Book the dawn boat tour at least two to three days in advance through Sinnamary-based operators — departures are limited and fill quickly
- Depart Cayenne by 05:00 for a 06:00 dawn tour departure; wildlife is most active at first light and the heat builds quickly after 09:00
- Bring binoculars — caiman and monkey sightings frequently occur at distance from the boat
- Long-sleeved clothing is recommended for the dawn hours on the water when biting insects are most active
- Combine with a Kourou stop on the return journey — the Space Centre and Salvation Islands ferry port are both on the N1 east of Sinnamary
When to visit
August through November offers the lowest water levels, exposing more of the ghost-tree canopy and concentrating wildlife in navigable channels. Dawn hours (06:00–08:00) produce optimal caiman and monkey sightings regardless of season.
Accessibility
The boat tour embarkation point is accessible by car but involves a short walk on uneven ground to the water's edge. Boarding a small tour boat requires stepping over the gunwale, which is challenging for visitors with significant mobility limitations. The Sinnamary town riverfront area is generally flat and more accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a boat tour on Lac de Petit Saut?
Tours are operated by local guides and small agencies based in Sinnamary. Booking two to three days in advance is advised. Local tourism offices and guesthouses in Sinnamary can provide contact details for current operators.
What wildlife can visitors expect to see on the tour?
Common sightings on the dawn tour include black caimans, spectacled caimans, howler monkeys, capybaras, and a wide variety of tropical birds including kingfishers and herons. Giant river otters are occasionally sighted.
Is there public transport from Cayenne to Petit Saut?
No direct public transport serves Petit Saut. Car rental from Cayenne is required for the 90-kilometre drive west on the N1 and the final approach to the lake embarkation point.
What time of day is best for the boat tour?
Dawn tours departing between 06:00 and 07:00 offer the highest wildlife activity. Mid-morning and afternoon tours are available but typically see fewer caiman and mammal sightings.
How was Lac de Petit Saut created?
The lake was formed in 1994 when the Petit Saut hydroelectric dam was built on the Sinnamary River, flooding approximately 365 square kilometres of lowland rainforest. The dam generates roughly 60 percent of French Guiana's electricity.